Receivables (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Impaired non-accrual status term, days	60 days
Loans made to franchisees	$ 188,200,000	$ 171,100,000
Loans past due	115,707,000
Emerald Advance Lines Of Credit [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Non-accrual status loans	30,300,000	31,400,000
Term Loan [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans made to franchisees	136,900,000	127,000,000
Revolving Lines Of Credit [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans made to franchisees	$ 51,300,000	$ 44,100,000